FAQs

Preparation

Is it okay to study for the UCAT from a book?

The UCAT is a timed computer-based test therefore it is best to use online exams that simulate the test in format and timing. In addition, books often include old or outdated content that may not simulate the actual test.

Isn’t it sufficient to study from the UCAT site’s free exams?

Whilst the UCAT official site provides some questions to answer, the site does not offer an extensive amount of questions, nor does it save your results, provide a score or track your progress. It is important that students use a training site that provides scores and feedback on where students need to improve.

How many hours should I spend preparing for UCAT?

Students should aim to study for UCAT on a regular basis. Students who perform well in UCAT have often spent at least 100 hours on their preparation.

Taking the test

How often can I sit the UCAT?

You can sit the UCAT once in any test cycle.

As an international student, do I have to come to the UK to sit the test?

International students can enter the name of their country into the Pearson VUE test centre locator site (https://wsr.pearsonvue.com/testtaker/registration/SelectTestCenterProximity/UKCAT?conversationId=374185) and find test centres in their country. If there are no test centres in their country, they may have to travel to another country to sit the test.

Can I take my inhaler into the exam centre?

Some items do not need to be pre-approved. Items such as an EpiPen, hearing aid, inhaler, etc., will be allowed in the test centre after being visually examined by one of the staff. For a full list of items that do and do not need approval see: https://www.ucat.ac.uk/register/access-arrangements/

Can I take water into the exam centre?

You will need to apply for access arrangements, if for some health reason, you need to have water at your desk. Otherwise you will need to leave your water in the locker provided to you outside the exam room.

What happens if there is an issue with the computer on test day?

If there are any incidents on the day of your test, you must notify the invigilator during the test. If this does not bring a satisfactory result, you should get the test centre to record the incident and give you a case number. You must then request an incident investigation within a day of your test. To find out what will and what won’t be investigated please see the following page: https://www.ucat.ac.uk/sit/test-incident/

Can I sit the UCAT and the BMAT in the same year?

Yes, you can sit both to widen the choice of medical schools you can apply to.

Are the UCAT and the BMAT the same?

The UCAT and BMAT are two different types of tests. The UCAT is a computer based 5-section multiple choice test, whereas the BMAT is a 3-section written test that has multiple choice and an essay. Both test a student’s aptitude, but BMAT also has questions that relate to science knowledge.

To study at a medical school in the UK you will need to take either the BMAT or the UCAT.

How many students sit the UCAT each year?

There are about 37,000 students sitting the UCAT each year.

UCAT results

How long will my UCAT score be valid for?

Students’ UCAT scores in 2023 are only valid for entry into university in 2024,or 2025 if a course is deferred.

Do I have to send my UCAT results to each university that I apply to?

Students need to complete an online form available from the UCAT site. Then the UCAT office will deliver your results to your selected universities.

Applying to universities

Where can I get information about medical schools’ entry requirements?

Go to https://www.medschools.ac.uk/studying-medicine/medical-schools and select the university you are researching. After the drop down box opens click on the university. You may need to choose the level of study, e.g. undergraduate or postgraduate, and then the course and finally entry requirements.

How important is the UCAT when applying for university?

When applying for university admission, there is no one rule for how universities will use UCAT. There are variations, ranging from significant to marginal, as to how much emphasis they place on your UCAT score in their consideration of applications. Most will look at the total score for the cognitive subtests and some may even have a cut-off score for one of the subtests. If a university has a cut-off score, it may be on their own website, or they may only show the cut-off score for the previous year.

How important is the UCAT compared to academic scores when applying for university?

When applying for university admission, there are variations in how universities weigh UCAT scores alongside academic achievements. The UCAT score may contribute a significant amount compared to your academic results or it may be a small amount.

How important is Situational Judgement (SJT) when applying to university?

More and more universities use the Situational Judgement subtest score in selection. Students who have scored in the lower bands may be excluded by some universities.